How to Give — or Get — Help For Those Affected By Hurricane Matthew

Gradually the flood waters of Hurricane Matthew are receding, but many are still affected by the storm and its aftermath. Over the weekend, state emergency officials shared an overall estimate so far of $1.5 billion in damage to businesses, homes and government buildings from the flooding caused by the hurricane. The death toll is 26 people in the state lost their lives due to the storm.

For those who would like to help, Governor McCrory activated the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to support long-term recovery efforts in partnership with the United Way of North Carolina. People or organizations that want to help can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

For more information about hurricane recovery in your area, call 2-1-1. The latest road conditions can be found by calling 5-1-1 or checking the ReadyNC mobile app. For more details about Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org and follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook for the latest on Hurricane Matthew recovery efforts.

Monetary donations to recognized disaster relief organizations is the fastest, most flexible, and most effective method of assisting. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through area businesses which supports economic recovery.

North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NCVOAD) is helping to coordinate any needed volunteer efforts. Go to the NCVOAD website to learn more.

For those directly affected by the hurricane who need help – and we’ve heard from several member practices that experienced flooding and have not been able to see patients — four Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) opened over the weekend: two in Nash County, one in Harnett County and one in Wilson County. The hours are Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. and Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. DRCs are staffed by representatives from FEMA, North Carolina Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates about applications.

Individuals, including homeowners, renters, and business owners, in the designated counties who suffered loss or damages due to Hurricane Matthew may register for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by downloading the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), the number is also 1-800-621-3362. For people using TTY, the number is 1-800-462-7585. Dial 2-1-1 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language.

Several North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) members have reached out to offer assistance to other members in need. If you need help in the aftermath of this natural disaster, please let us know by calling (919-833-3836 x142) or emailing our Solution Center (bmckoy@ncmedsoc.org) and we will try to connect you with the available resources.